What Happens When You Leave American Samoa from Pago Pago International Airport

The saddest part of your holiday is this very moment, when it comes to an end. You’ve gone through an amazing journey, experienced the warm Samoan hospitality, and seen some stunning pieces of paradise – we’ve probably even planned a thing or two together here on American Samoa Pocket Guide.

But now, you need to check in for your departure flight and leave American Samoa LINK#TT038. Here’s the final piece of advice we can give you: everything you need to know about leaving American Samoa and the full departure process.

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5 Tips and Things to Do Before Leaving American Samoa

Before departing from American Samoa, here are some important departure tips:

  1. Arrive at the airport extra early for Hawaiian Airlines flights - You'll find that locals start queuing two hours before check-in even opens! The check-in process can be quite slow, and TSA often closes early to reduce costs, so arriving by 9 am ensures you won't be scrambling to make your flight.
  2. Complete your departure paperwork in advance - Have a black or blue pen ready to fill out any required departure forms. As a US territory, departure processes may differ from other Pacific islands.
  3. Check biosecurity requirements for your destination - Some souvenirs made from local materials like wood, shells, or plant materials may require phytosanitary certification. Verify requirements with your destination country before departing, especially if travelling to Australia, New Zealand, or other countries with strict biosecurity laws.
  4. Pack restricted items in checked luggage - Ensure any items that won't pass through airport security are placed in your checked baggage before arriving at the airport.
  5. Return any rental cars early - Based on car rental company practices, many tourists prefer to drop off rental cars at the airport for convenience. Plan to return vehicles with adequate time before your flight.

Additional tip: Since American Samoa uses US dollars, currency exchange isn't typically necessary when departing for the US mainland, but you may want to exchange any remaining cash if travelling elsewhere.

The departure process from Pago Pago International Airport requires extra time due to limited facilities and early TSA closures, so plan accordingly!

Hawaiian Airlines Airport First Class CREDIT AmericanSamoaPocketGuide.com
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Pago Pago Airport Check-In Departure Process

You need to arrive at Pago Pago International Airport for your departure flight around 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time. For Hawaiian Airlines flights, especially, it's recommended to arrive as soon as check-in opens, as they begin boarding early and the check-in process can be slow.

Similar applies to Samoa Airways and Talofa Airways, whose baggage allowances are incredibly small, so you'll want to check those bags in early while there's room!

Departure Airport Transfers

There are a number of ways to travel back to Pago Pago International Airport from your accommodation.

  • Taxis are readily available.
  • Some accommodations offer airport transfer services.
  • Car rental companies also provide complimentary drop-off services at the airport, which many tourists find convenient.
  • Local buses are another option, though they tend to stop operating around 4/5 pm, so this is unlikely to be an option if you're taking a late-night or early flight.

For more on airport transport, check out the 5 Best Airport Transfers in Pago Pago & American Samoa.

Check-In for International Departures

The check-in process at Pago Pago International Airport follows a straightforward procedure. You'll need to find your airline's allocated check-in counter (note that Talofa Airways checks in at their office in the courtyard, not the counters) and provide the check-in staff with your passport and booking reference/e-ticket for your departure flight.

Be sure to arrive early for check-in, as there are strict baggage weight restrictions. If you arrive late, your bags might be refused by airlines such as Samoa Airways and Talofa Airways. Note that airlines are generally less lenient with baggage weights on departures from American Samoa compared to arrivals, though you can still pay for extra bags if needed.

You do not need to declare any personal items that you are leaving American Samoa with unless you're carrying US$10,000+ in cash (following US currency declaration requirements).

There may be certain items, like food or souvenirs made from wood, shells or plant materials, that you can't take past the borders of the country you are arriving in, so be sure to research the biosecurity measures of your destination country. These items, however, you don't need to declare in American Samoa.

You will check-in any larger luggage you may have, and then you will be given a boarding pass and asked to wait until the Departure Lounge is open.

Immigration Departure Airport CREDIT AmericanSamoaPocketGuide.com
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Immigration

When airport staff announce that the Departure Lounge is open (there are no speakers or anything, so just keep an eye on the Departure Entrance to see if there's some activity).

Before proceeding through the Departure Entrance, however, you will need to speak to an Immigration Officer at the desk immediately next to the Departure Entrance. The Immigration Officer will check your passport and boarding pass before allowing you to enter the departure lounge.

Note that there may not always be a security screening process, particularly for flights to Apia on a Sunday morning. However, when security is operating, you'll need to put your bags and items like laptops into separate trays for X-ray screening, and walk through a metal detector.

Departure Lounge

Once through immigration (and security if operating), you'll enter the Departure Lounge. Be aware that on Sundays, none of the shops in the departure area are open, so plan accordingly if you need any last-minute purchases.

There's free WiFi in the Departure Lounge, as well as public bathrooms. For more on facilities, check out the Airports in American Samoa: Where Can You Fly to in American Samoa?

Since American Samoa uses US dollars, there's typically no need for currency exchange when departing to the US mainland. However, if you're travelling to other destinations, you may want to exchange any remaining cash before departure.

Marina Pago Sailing Yachts (2) CREDIT AmericanSamoaPocketGuide.com
© AmericanSamoaPocketGuide.com

Leaving American Samoa By Sailing Yacht

For those visiting American Samoa via sailing yacht, you must clear out via Pago Pago.

Let the harbour master know your departure date when you first arrive, and you won't have to make an extra trip later.

Expect to pay clearing out fees totalling less than US$50 for Customs, Public Health and Harbour Office. The good news? Immigration won't charge you anything for departure.

For more information about leaving American Samoa via sailing yacht, see our Sailing Guide to American Samoa: Tips for Yachting in Samoa.

More About Leaving American Samoa and the Departure Process

That’s it for our guide to leaving American Samoa and the departure process. For more information about Pago Pago International Airport and a few more tips for departure, check out the following guides:

Finally, if there’s anything else you need to plan for your American Samoa getaway, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to American Samoa LINK#TT038.